September was a blur, October a roar! It’s Halloween month, TWD is returning soon, and some exciting things happening at work! Kind of my favorite month…
pr samples, affiliate
Can you believe these were all my empties? cumulatively though, meaning to say, I have used up these products for a period of time (several months) and because I am keen on keeping up with my stash, this discipline allowed me to control my impulse buying tendencies.
Let’s start with skincare which is a huge part of my beauty regimen. Reason being, this woman is in her early 40s and come hell or high water, wrinkles ain’t happening! But seriously, I am on a constant quest to delay aging. As an Aesthetic Registered Nurse (specializing on laser procedures), I also educate patients on skincare since their face/body is an investment, considering the cost associated with laser treatments. Hence, maintenance is equally important! Here’s a breakdown of all my skincare empties (I have reviewed most of it!):
Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion: It claims to revolumize sagging skin. While it won’t give your youth back, this is a nice addition to your skincare if you’re looking for a moisturizer light enough for layering in conjunction with serum and/or facial oil.
Murad Rapid Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Serum (review here): This is one of my top favorites from Murad. With constant use, it brightens the face and helps fade acne spots (yes I still get it once a while, esp during my period).
Murad Hydrating Toner: I finished a deluxe size but basically, it’s a mist that can be used as a toner or facial spritz. The question is, do you really need a toner? well if you are certain that your face is thoroughly washed before applying your serum or moisturizer, I say no need. However, there are days when I personally feel that my face isn’t clean enough so it’s always good to have one on standby.
Murad Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence: Very lightweight moisturizer with serum-like consistency. It’s great to use in the morning as it provides just enough moisture without converting your skin to a greaseball by midday.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser: I have been using this product for eons. Can I tell you a side story? it’s no secret to some of you that I have changed careers from pharmaceutical marketing to nursing. But in those years, I have joined companies that will personally enrich my journey, expand my knowledge, and even benefit from the products they market (because why not?!). So when I was still living in the Philippines, I applied for a product marketing manager position at Galderma. The country manager asked me “why do you want to join our company? to which I replied “well, aside from the fact that I had been an avid user of Cetaphil for many years which makes me a great ambassador, I know that your employees receive a monthly supply of all Cetaphil products, that will save me a lot of money”. Unscripted response got me the job (granted other applicants have the same experience or education background)! I will never forget the advertising and trade marketing I did for the brand, including some great people I met so to this day, I remain and will forever remain a Cetaphil fan! Ultimate throwback ha? But you know one Cetaphil hack that you may not be doing? it’s a great makeup remover and that’s how I use it now.
Lather Chia Seed & Passion Fruit Exfoliating Gel: One of the gentlest facial exfoliant I have tried. It smells citrus which makes washing your face even more inviting!
Lather Chia Seed and Passion Fruit Facial Oil: Great for very dry skin. One drop is all you need to add hydration to your face. I also add a tiny drop to my foundation in days I am needing extra moisture.
Iaso Ghassoul Black Cleansing Oil: It’s a Korean product, it dissolves makeup and gunk like a boss! Morocco Ghassoul Clay carries a rich blend of natural magnesium and calcium which helps moisturize skin.
Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Caplet Serum: This has mini-pearlized beads that are activated as you press the dispenser top. I use this in days I want a luminizing effect under foundation or cc cream.
Bellatorra Uplifting Activating Mist: Developed for dehydrated and “hangover” skin, this mist is really hydrating, it’s on the pricey side that’s why it took me a while to finish it, haha! But it did help my skin survive the scorching summer ‘tho.
Dermalogica Precleanse Oil: I was officially introduced to cleansing oil, thanks to Dermalogica. It erases dirt, gunk, makeup residues and everything in between. Definitely one of my favorites from this brand.
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser (deluxe size): I believe this was part of Sephora’s Birthday box. I used to buy the full size before, it is very gentle on the face I must say!
Arcona Triad Toner Pads: Whenever Nordstrom holds its beauty event or anniversary sale, I hoard on these toner pads. They feel amazing on the face, provide extra cleansing and smell good.
Let’s talk hair! That’s quite a lot up there but like skincare products, these were all cumulative feat. Right now, I am using a shampoo and conditioner combo for blonde hair which I bought from the salon where I had my recent hair color transformation.
OGX Coconut Curls (shampoo and conditioner), OGX Coconut Milk (shampoo and conditioner), OGX Coconut Water (deluxe size shampoo): good quality and reasonably priced. Plus give me anything coconut scented and I’m sold.
Schwarzkopf Essence Ultime Omega Repair and Moisture (shampoo and conditioner): strongly fragrant but this duo makes my hair look soft and quite shiny.
Kiehls Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Reparative Hair Pak: Hair mask alongside facial mask is part of my me-time beauty regimen. Since I spend so much on hair color treatments, I need to reinforce it with hydration at home (twice a month) to prevent breakage.
Lather Lavender and Olive Foaming Body Scrub: Possibly the best body scrub in the market. It’s all-natural and exfoliates without being abrasive. I am a fan!
The Body Shop Body Scrub: I buy a ton whenever The Body Shop has 3+3 free, hence the never-ending appearance in my empties post. But it does the job plus it leaves my bathroom smelling fresh!
tell me, what have you finished lately?
